Thus sang the great Monty Python team as they hung from their crosses at the end of The Life of Brian, as superb an example of English irony as it is possible to get. I was reminded of it this morning because regularly at the end of each year the government releases papers previously held back from scrutiny under the 30-year rule. Thus, you get a glimpse, no more, of some of what passed for thinking 'back in the day'. The fact that it was Mrs. Thatcher's day only adds to the spice!
According to my favourite early morning listening - 'TOOOORKSPOOOORT' - well, all it does is witter on the subject of 'footie' about which I care nothing but am amused by the passions, frequently incoherent, that are aroused - some of the papers released today show the Thatcher government trying to get to grips with football hooliganism which was rife. You see, then as now, we couldn't atually play good football, our English 'heroes!' regularly losing to countries we taught how to play the wretched game. But when it came to sinking ten pints, running riot, beating up opposition fans and, on occasions, crushing them to death, we were the champions! Apparently Mrs. 'T' and her Tory ministers were exceedingly worried about all this but the fact is that none of them had the slightest knowledge, let alone interest, in the wretched game that seemed to obsess 95% of the population. For that and that alone, Mrs. 'T' deserves her place in history!
However, listening to the always excellent Danny Kelly this morning reminded me that football hooliganism grew out of the general hooliganism of the '70s and '80s in which industrial disputes and strikes almost always ended up with running battles between strikers and police. Plus, of course, there was the added 'spice' of the occasional race riot. In other words, the Britain of that period which, I would remind everyone, sank to its festering immaturity because of the strength of trade union muscle and militancy, was a pretty sad, broken-down wreck of a country rightly labelled as 'the sick man of Europe'.
To put it bluntly, the Britain of that period was a deeply unpleasant place in which to live and whilst we have our problems today it's worth remembering that life now is a nirvana compared to the grotty, violent, dangerous times of 40 years ago. Once again, let us briefly bow our heads in grateful remembrance of 'that woman' who gave us all a spanking and told us to behave ourselves!
Does the mention of Mrs. Thatcher's name still cause the British Left to foam at the mouth and wet themselves, or have they been relegated to perpetual self colonoscopy?
Posted by: Whitewall | Tuesday, 30 December 2014 at 16:05
Back then the British had a mind of their own and could speak it.
Now you all is humble followers of the party line - or else!
And you are not legally etc allowed to say anything much.
Such of you thet are native to the land.
Posted by: john malpas | Tuesday, 30 December 2014 at 20:00
"perpetual self colonoscopy" - an image to conjure with!
Did you compose that last line,John, or are you quoting - if so, from where? Jest askin'!
Posted by: David Duff | Tuesday, 30 December 2014 at 21:48
'Morning Duffers, Whitewall, Andra et al.
It is really no surprise that "Soccer" fans riot - no matter what the nationality. The game is so bloody boring one could be excused for believing it was meant to boor you to snores.
It really should be consigned to "the yarts" given the number of actors taking part.
Happy New Year [just 12 hours away] to all
Posted by: AussieD | Wednesday, 31 December 2014 at 00:55
Slightly off topic but are you keeping an eye on Sweden? The results of their recent general election produced 40% left and 40% right and 20% anti-immigration party. So, neither left or right could form a government unless they enlisted the support of the anti-immigration party, which they wouldn't do. So they have formed a coalition. Perhaps that is our future after a few weeks of wrangling next May! YMD as Prime Minister and Ed taking over Cloggies job. What joy! And Mr Farage as the leader of Her Majesty's opposition!
Posted by: backofanenvelope | Wednesday, 31 December 2014 at 09:48
Yes, another National Govt. just like the '30s' with Ed as Ramsay McDonald. We'll be told we're all in it together and must work like hell to dig the country out of the mess the pols got it in. Heard it all before somewhere.
(You'll remember the National Government, Duffy?)
Posted by: Oswald Thake | Wednesday, 31 December 2014 at 10:18
Thanks, fellas, now I have a headache!
Posted by: David Duff | Wednesday, 31 December 2014 at 10:23
Take the advice of an older man. Put more water in it!
Posted by: Oswald Thake | Wednesday, 31 December 2014 at 14:36
Headache? Buy yourself a bottle of Greek aspirin.
AussieD, with the new year falling on you first, please handle it with care and then rinse it off properly for the rest of us to mismanage ourselves. Happy New Year to you.
Posted by: Whitewall | Wednesday, 31 December 2014 at 14:38